Involving strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.

Deserted of people and in a state of bleak and dismal emptiness.

The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

To treat (a person, group, or concept) as insignificant or peripheral.

A narrator who knows all the thoughts, actions, and feelings of all characters.

Foreshadowing; hints at events to come.

Setting; the place or type of surroundings where an event takes place.

Atmosphere; the feeling, mood, or emotional climate of a literary work.

Difficulties; misfortune.

Bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.

A genre where magical elements appear in an otherwise realistic setting.

Able to be touched or felt.

Family ties are portrayed as a source of strength and resilience, highlighting the lengths to which individuals go to protect their loved ones, even amidst adversity.

The story highlights limited access to healthcare and the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities, underscoring the struggles of those living in poverty.

It mirrors the physical and emotional burdens of the characters, emphasizing their isolation and vulnerability in a challenging environment.

The father's difficult journey can be seen as a representation of the challenges faced by ordinary people navigating a politically intricate environment.

The characters' journey embodies enduring strength, determination, and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, reflecting core cultural values.

Through vivid descriptions and a distinctive style, the story reflects on Mexican culture, history, and universal themes, offering insights into the realities of Mexican society.

The limited dialogue emphasizes the difficulty of connecting amidst challenging circumstances, mirroring emotional distance and potential cultural communication barriers.

The father's determination to protect Ignacio showcases the strength of family ties, underscoring the enduring commitment to safeguard loved ones.

The harsh, desolate landscape mirrors the characters' emotional and physical burdens, influencing their actions and decisions by creating a sense of urgency and desperation.

The father's determination to carry Ignacio highlights the cultural importance of family and the lengths to which individuals go to protect their loved ones, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity.

The strained relationship reflects broader societal challenges, such as the impact of poverty and isolation on families, highlighting the duality of human emotions.

The inability to hear the dogs barking highlights the characters' isolation and the breakdown in communication, symbolizing their emotional distance and the challenges they face.

Involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring.

Deserted of people and in a state of bleak and dismal emptiness.

The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

To treat a person or group as insignificant or peripheral.

Foreshadowing.

Setting.

Atmosphere.

Omniscient.

Dialogue.

Tone.

Love.

Contempt.